Brazil legend Ronaldo believes England have a chance at the World Cup

2002 World Cup winner and national hero Ronaldo has suggested that England are one of the teams in the reckoning to win this summer's World Cup in Brazil, despite them not starting as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Ronaldo, who lifted the famous trophy in Japan and South Korea after eliminating the English 2-1 in a thrilling quarter final, told rwdfootball.com: "I believe there are players here that are already at that high level, players like (Steven) Gerrard at Liverpool, (Wayne) Rooney from Manchester United. They are part of that league of high-class players."

Ronaldo's optimism is tempered by a more realistic approach from the English media, who have taken a less pressurised approach to their team this time out. If they succeed in not hyping their team up to levels that are unattainable, Ronaldo's prediction might comcloser than expected.